Stan Lee’s former manager arrested on elder abuse charges

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In this Aug. 22, 2017, file photo, caomic book writer Stan Lee waves to the audience after being introduced onstage at the “Extraordinary: Stan Lee” tribute event at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif. Lee, the master and creator behind Marvel’s biggest superheroes, died at age 95 Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, at a Los Angeles hospital. The Marvel wizard used his pen to conquer real-world foes like racism and xenophobia. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former business manager of Stan Lee was arrested Saturday on elder abuse charges involving the late comic book legend.

Keya Morgan was taken into custody in Arizona on an outstanding arrest warrant after being charged by Los Angeles County prosecutors earlier this month.

Morgan faces felony charges including theft, embezzlement, forgery or fraud against an elder adult, and false imprisonment of an elder adult. A misdemeanor count also alleges elder abuse.

FILE – In this April 23, 2018, file photo, Stan Lee, left, and Keya Morgan arrive at the world premiere of “Avengers: Infinity War” in Los Angeles. Morgan, the former business manager of Lee has been arrested on elder abuse charges involving the late comic book icon. Los Angeles police say Morgan was taken into custody in Arizona early Saturday, May 25, 2019, on an outstanding arrest warrant. Morgan was charged earlier this month with felony allegations of theft, embezzlement, forgery or fraud against an elder adult, and false imprisonment of an elder adult. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Authorities say Morgan sought to capitalize on the Marvel Comic mastermind’s wealth and exert influence over Lee even though he had no authority to act on his behalf.

Police say Morgan pocketed more than $262,000 from autograph signing sessions Lee did in May 2018. Authorities say Morgan at one point also took Lee from his Hollywood Hills home to a Beverly Hills condominium “where Morgan had more control over Lee.”

Lee’s daughter said in a request for a restraining order last year that Morgan was manipulating the mentally declining Lee, preventing him from seeing family and friends, and trying to take control of his money and business affairs.

Attorney Alex Kessel has said Morgan has never abused or taken advantage of Lee. Kessel said in an email on Saturday that he had been in contact with prosecutors to arrange for Morgan to surrender on Tuesday.

“It is unfortunate that the DA and police did not honor our commitment to surrender next week and arrested him,” Kessel said in an email.

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